Visioning Onward

Visioning Onward is the right book for any leader who aims to be a visionary champion for their school or organization and bring about transformational change. Co-authors Christine Mason, Paul Liabe­now, and Melissa Patschke challenge readers through a series of critical questions, activities, examples, resources, and authentic voices to help us establish a sense of purpose in the way we lead and learn on a daily basis. Each chapter reminds us that it is more than just seeing the vision but doing the work in a way that helps us achieve that vision. This book provides a blueprint to do just that. -- Jimmy Casas
Visioning Onward outlines the process and action steps for school leaders to create, share, and implement their vision for a school rather than adopting or adapting someone else’s vision. This practical guide is a must-read for all school leaders interested in creating and sustain­ing a school culture that continues to thrive and responds to changing times and one in which its stakeholders grow. The processes outlined in the book along with the case study examples make this a desk reference for every principal. -- Paul M. Healey

After reading Visioning Onward, I feel inspired and compelled to share the thoughtful approach to building a collaborative shared vision with colleagues and graduate students. An essential for every principal’s desk, this is a practical, purposeful, and action-oriented guide for leaders. Embedded in the context of the book are valuable resources, exercises, and vignettes to aid leadership teams in devel­oping a vision that is encouraging, innovative, and empathetic.

-- Robyn Conrad Hansen
The most successful leaders don’t get to where they are by accident. They are strategic, purposeful, and visionary. Do you want these characteristics in your repertoire of leadership qualities? Then, grab a cup of coffee and a highlighter, and dig in to this invaluable resource. These three brilliant educators have built a step-by-step process to build, plan, and execute your vision. You won’t be disappointed.
-- Adam D. Drummond

What a well-conceived book that recognizes how an organized approach to developing a school’s vision will work! The authors emphasize the need to allow each school team the freedom to design their own vision. The value of a school’s shared vision is stressed, and a systematic process is explained in detail.

Visioning Onward demonstrates the critical need for each stakehold­er’s voice and the importance this voice is to the acceptance of the developing vision. Included in the book are the potential barriers and a process to ensure sustainability. The authors have devoted an enor­mous amount of time collecting and creating a wealth of resources, examples, and exemplars. As a career veteran in public education and school leadership, I wish I could have read this before my first prin­cipalship! This book is truly an excellent resource.
-- Rich Barbacane